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(I was shocked after reading the news. This is not the Baguio that found before. I don't feel safe going outside at night anymore because the incident might happen again.)

Hannah Faye G. Cacayorin, a University of the Philippines-Baguio student, felt similarly.

In an interview, Cacayorin described that before President Rodrigo Duterte took his oath on June 2016, Baguio City felt very safe. Now, however, crimes appear to have significantly increased, making it unsafe for teens to roam around the city without a companion, especially at night.

"What happened to Vaughn is really frightening and saddening at the same time. The recent killings are very alarming, especially (since) many victims are from the youth sector," Sean David Marco, also a UP Baguio student, remarked.

He added that even though this latest killing may seem like an isolated case from the ones in Manila, Filipinos must still call for justice and condemn the killings that are happening in the country.

"We must stay vigilant on the actions of the current administration regarding these cases especially as this is not the safe Philippines they have promised us," Marco said.

At the University of the Philippines-Baguio Campus, the Oblation statue was covered in black and red to condemn the killing of Dicang.

While speculation regarding linking the case to the killings of Kian delos Santos, Carl Arnaiz, and Reynaldo de Guzman are circulating on social media, Baguio City police chief Senior Superintendent Ramil Saculles urged the public to avoid accusing the police as the perpetrators of the Grade 12 boy's untimely death.

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Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).